How to get hired as mature self-taught ex-freelancer?

[iainduncan]

Hi, I'm a self-taught, 39 year old Python web/database coder, now looking to get into a full time position after 8 years of freelancing. My problem (I think?) is that I'm not what is considered a catch to the stereotypical founder: no CS degree, been working on regular Python+SQL projects, not young. I know I'm competent, I've been inhaling CS and coding books for years and have taught myself some tricky stuff like microcontroller assembly and real-time audio/midi app development in C. But maybe I don't know how to properly present myself to people who might be interested in someone like me, or know who those people might be. Surely there are some companies who are actually impressed that someone has had to do all the running-a-business stuff in addition to coding, and has experience being completely responsible for the clients and the bottom line?

If anyone has thoughts on how to better position myself, or to whom I should be looking, or just wants to (constructively) trash my CV, that would be appreciated. Or if the correct answer is that I'm barking up the wrong tree, I'd like to hear that too! I'm not here to whine and vent, I honestly want productive critiques.

Thanks hackers Iain http://www.xornot.com/pdf/Iain_Duncan_CV.pdf

[iainduncan]

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[danso]

Do you have a link to web projects? I know this sounds superficial, but a PDF resume only reinforces the perception, unfair as it may be, that you're "not nimble"enough. You seem to maintain your own website with projects...you should at least link to it from the PDF